In Wheel Time - Cartalk Radio

The landscape of car buying has shifted dramatically in recent months, and our conversation with Carfax's Patrick Olson offers a roadmap through this evolving terrain. With potential tariffs looming and inventory dynamics changing, timing your purchase—whether new or used—has never been more strategic.For those eyeing new vehicles, Patrick reveals a compelling window of opportunity. Dealers currently hold substantial pre-tariff inventory they're eager to move, creating favorable conditions for buyers ready to act. The numbers tell the story: March and early April saw sales double compared to last year as savvy consumers race to beat anticipated price increases.The used market, particularly for sedans, presents extraordinary value propositions. While Americans continue their love affair with trucks and SUVs, gently-used Honda Civics, Accords, Chevy Malibus, and Toyota Camrys offer reliable, fuel-efficient transportation at remarkably accessible price points. Parents considering vehicles for teens sho

The summer driving season is upon us, and with it comes unique challenges on Texas roads. Texas Department of Public Safety, Sergeant Steve Woodard joins us from the Bolivar Peninsula ferry to share critical insights about what motorists should watch for, especially as driver's license offices prepare for an influx of teen drivers seeking their first licenses.Calling in from his patrol vehicle, Sgt. Woodard delivers sobering statistics from a recent beach weekend enforcement operation that resulted in 87 arrests, 91 misdemeanor citations, and approximately 15 felonies in a single night. The conversation reveals how what once began as community gatherings have unfortunately evolved into problematic events requiring significant law enforcement presence. The hosts reflect on their own experiences witnessing this transformation over the years, having participated in these gatherings before they became problematic.As summer approaches, parents of new drivers will want to heed Trooper Woodard's advice on

Every once in a while, you discover a hidden gem that makes you wonder why you hadn't found it sooner. That's exactly how we felt when we first visited Granbury, Texas – and why we're thrilled to return for the Lone Star Street Rod Association's milestone 50th anniversary celebration.Tammy Dooley, Granbury's tourism expert, joins us to unveil what makes this charming town of just 11,000 residents the self-proclaimed "Celebration Capital of Texas." With tourism as their number one industry, Granbury has perfected the art of welcoming visitors with thoughtful amenities that transform an ordinary visit into a memorable experience.You'll discover how Granbury balances small-town charm with visitor-friendly infrastructure, including their newly upgraded fleet of free historic trolleys connecting hotels with downtown and event venues. Tammy shares insider details about the upcoming Street Rod event featuring over 200 classic cars, special performances, and celebratory activit

Car enthusiasts, gather round! Automotive wisdom flows freely as the In Wheel Time team dives into the ever-evolving world of automobiles, from classic treasures to modern engineering marvels.The episode opens with a worrying trend in automotive recalls, where Mercedes and Ford once again take center stage. Particularly concerning is GM's recall of numerous 2021-2024 models—including Cadillac Escalades, Chevrolet Silverados, and GMC Yukons—for complete engine failures. The hosts reminisce about how such catastrophic failures were once rare occurrences, usually resulting from driver abuse rather than manufacturing defects.Lightening the mood, the team engages in their popular Hemmings Sold Car Roundup segment, attempting to guess selling prices of classics like a butternut yellow 1966 Pontiac GTO convertible clone ($19,425), a pristine 1966 Lincoln Continental convertible ($66,100), and even a 1929 American LaFrance fire truck ($40,425). Their wildly varied guesses highlight just how unpredictable the col

When Ford refreshes an icon like the Explorer, we pay attention. The 2025 Explorer Active arrives as the sixth generation of this staple American SUV, refined with subtle but meaningful updates that enhance the driving experience without sacrificing what loyal fans love about the model.Behind the wheel of this Chicago-assembled standard SUV, we immediately noticed the responsive 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivering 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque through a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. The wide power band provides confident acceleration when merging or passing, while returning a respectable 21.5 MPG over our 451-mile test drive. With a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds, it balances everyday drivability with weekend adventure capabilities.The Explorer's interior shows Ford's commitment to modern technology and comfort. The cockpit features a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster paired with an all-new 13.2-inch touchscreen housing infotainment, navigation, and vehicle controls. Android

Dave Sowers brings electrifying news from Ram as the brand accelerates into an exciting future under returning leadership. The conversation kicks off with a glimpse at Ram's strategic shift toward more affordable options with the 2026 Ram 1500 Express. Starting at $44,495, this new trim delivers attitude and value in equal measure, featuring 20-inch wheels and monochromatic styling that makes a statement without breaking the bank.The real story unfolds when Sowers dives into the technical innovations powering Ram's lineup. The optional Hurricane straight-six engine steals the spotlight, cranking out 420 horsepower – more than the previous V8 – while delivering improved emissions and fuel economy. For those wanting extra visual impact, the Black Express package transforms the truck with blacked-out wheels, badges, and accents available in several eye-catching colors including the new Forged Blue.Heavy-duty enthusiasts have even more reason to celebrate as Sowers reveals the 6.7-liter high-output Cumm

Summer brings longer days and more drivers on the road—and unfortunately, a spike in accidents caused by reckless behavior. What makes some states deadlier than others when it comes to dangerous driving? The answers might surprise you.Join us as we explore the shocking statistics behind reckless driving fatalities across America with insurance expert Divya Sangam from LendingTree's Value Penguin. Montana tops the nation with reckless driving death rates five times the national average, despite its sparse population. The culprits? Remote roads, extreme weather, and delayed emergency response times creating a perfect storm when drivers take unnecessary risks.The geographic patterns tell a fascinating story. Mountainous states like West Virginia and Colorado rank second and third for reckless driving deaths, while South Dakota recorded zero such fatalities during the five-year study period. We unpack why terrain, weather conditions, and driving culture contribute to these stark differences.Beyond the statis

The automotive landscape is rapidly evolving beyond traditional gasoline engines, and navigating the options can be overwhelming. Alex Kwanton from US News joins us to break down their 2025 Best Hybrids and Electric Vehicles awards, revealing which electrified options truly deliver value, performance, and efficiency without compromise.Remember when buying a hybrid meant settling for a tiny, underpowered econobox? Those days are gone. The Toyota Camry—now exclusively offered as a hybrid—leads the pack with an impressive 44-51 mpg while costing thousands less than competitors. It's joined by standouts like the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Lexus NX Hybrid that blend efficiency with genuine driving pleasure.The electric vehicle conversation takes us from the astonishing 512-mile range of the Lucid Air to the genuine off-road capability of the Rivian R1S. We explore how these premium offerings justify their price tags through groundbreaking technology and luxury experiences. Meanwhile, more accessible options li

Automotive artistry takes center stage as we visit Georgia's Savoy Auto Museum with curator Mary Agrusa. Unlike typical car museums focusing solely on mechanics, the Savoy presents vehicles as cultural artifacts for artistic appreciation, complete with historical storytelling.Mary reveals how Cartersville has become Georgia's "museum city" with four major institutions. The Savoy Museum itself features display techniques allowing 360-degree viewing with lighting that showcases each vehicle's design elegance. The museum's approach to interpretation, where each car's technical specs mix with historical significance, and often surprising backstories—like the unrestored 1925 Model T purchased under the strict condition it would never be restored, preserving its authentic century-old character.The Savoy connects with its community, including partnerships with local schools to encourage students to participate in prestigious events like the Great Race, fostering a new generation of

Slip behind the wheel of luxury as we explore the redesigned 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, a midsize SUV that's redefining automotive elegance. From the moment you lay eyes on its symmetrical wheel openings and sophisticated body sculpting to the Black Label grille adorned with chrome star-like dots, this vehicle demands attention for all the right reasons.The true revelation happens inside the cabin, where Lincoln has implemented a revolutionary door-to-door digital display that spans the entire dashboard. This stunning technological achievement, paired with adjustable massage seating and premium materials throughout, creates an interior experience that left our reviewers speechless. Despite being assembled in Hangzhou, China, the Nautilus maintains its distinctly American luxury character with a smooth, comfortable ride that makes every journey a pleasure.Powered by a capable 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, the Nautilus balances performance with efficien

Luxury car enthusiasts, mark your calendars! We're joined by RoShelle Salinas to reveal an exciting pop-up luxury ride and drive event happening May 9-10 at The Revere venue near Old Katy Road and 610. This last-minute addition to Houston's automotive calendar addresses a gap many noticed during January's Houston Auto Show - the absence of certain high-end brands that many were eager to experience.The collaborative event brings together luxury and electric vehicles that are currently on the market, all in one convenient location without the typical dealership pressure. Imagine test driving a Maserati, then hopping into the new Lucid Gravity, followed by experiencing Porsche's electric lineup with the Macan EV and Taycan - all within a single morning. Mercedes-Benz is bringing  the EQS sedan, GLE plug-in hybrid, and will have the electric G-Wagon and a Maybach on display.What makes this event particularly special is its accessibility. At just $8 per ticket, anyone 18+ with a valid driver&ap

Mercedes and Andy Lilienthal take us on a deep dive into their ambitious plans to traverse the Transamerica Trail - a 7,100-mile network of back roads, dirt paths, and trails stretching from North Carolina to Oregon. This adventure represents the ultimate American road trip for off-road enthusiasts who want to experience the country's hidden landscapes.With years of experience between them, the Lilienthals break down the preparation required for their month-long journey. Their 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness will serve as both transportation and home base.  Outfitted with a rooftop tent, recovery gear, specialized lighting, reinforced components, and carefully considered power management solutions to make a long stay feasible. Mercedes explains her methodical approach to navigation, using a combination of digital GPX files and traditional paper maps to guide their path across 15 states.What makes this journey particularly challenging is the ever-changing nature of the trail itself. Recent hurricanes and

What happens when 300+ hot rods descend upon Houston's best-kept secret? We found out when the Hot Rod Tour of Texas rolled into Spindle Tap Brewery, transforming this hidden north Houston gem into a classic car paradise.Bobby Sparkman, the mastermind behind the tour, shared with us how the journey began with 302 vehicles cruising across Texas. Though a few participants encountered mechanical challenges along the way—including one enthusiast who decided that blowing a transmission was the perfect excuse for an upgrade—the spirit of the tour remained undiminished with over 200 hot rods continuing the adventure.The real discovery of our broadcast was Spindle Tap Brewery itself. Elizabeth Valentine, their Marketing and Events Manager, pulled back the curtain on this nine-year-old establishment that's far more than just a place to grab a craft beer. Sprawling across 3.5 acres, this family-friendly venue offers everything from putt-putt golf to cornhole tournaments, multiple music stages, and enough spac

Take a ride with us as we catch up with the Hot Rod Tour of Texas at Spindletap Brewery on Houston's north side. What started four years ago as a modest gathering has evolved into a 300-car caravan of classic automobiles winding through the scenic back roads of the Lone Star State.Tour organizer Jeremy reveals the behind-the-scenes efforts that make this automotive adventure possible – months of scouting routes, coordinating police escorts, and finding unique venues that can accommodate hundreds of vintage vehicles. The tour deliberately avoids highways and toll roads, instead taking participants through charming small towns where children line up outside schools to wave at the procession of rumbling engines.The heart of the Hot Rod Tour isn't just about the impressive machinery – it's about the community that forms when car enthusiasts share the open road. When a breakdown occurs, multiple vehicles pull over to help. One participant even brought a trailer specifically to assist anyone experien

The great automotive debate of our time isn't just about horsepower or fuel economy—it's about where your car comes from. We dive deep into the fascinating world of American versus foreign automobiles, challenging preconceptions and revealing surprising statistics that might change how you think about your next vehicle purchase.Did you know Tesla assembles more cars in America than any other manufacturer? Or that Nissan builds over half its vehicles on U.S. soil? These revelations only scratch the surface of our conversation about what "American-made" really means in today's globalized manufacturing landscape. We explore how perceptions of quality have evolved since the 1960s and 70s when Japanese manufacturers first made inroads into American markets with reputations for durability that domestic brands couldn't match at the time.The podcast takes a fascinating historical journey through automotive longevity, from an era when cars struggled to reach 100,000 miles to today's

Buckle up for a high-octane journey through the heart of Texas as we broadcast live from Spindletap Brewery during the annual Hot Rod Tour! The brewery's industrial-chic atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for this gathering of automotive enthusiasts, with vintage beauties continuously rolling into the parking lot throughout our show.We kick things off with a comprehensive roundup of the latest automotive recalls that you need to know about. From Audi's e-tron issues to Honda's lighting problems, but the most concerning might be GM's recall of full-size pickups and SUVs from 2021-2024 with the 6.2-liter V8 engines experiencing catastrophic failures. If you own one of these vehicles, this segment alone is worth your time.The heart of our episode features the always entertaining "Hemmings Sold Car Roundup" game, where we guess the selling prices of classic automobiles. You might be surprised to learn what a restored 1960 Corvette C1 convertible or a 1949 Cadillac 62 commands i

The rumble of engines and scent of coffee fills the air as we broadcast live from Spindletap Brewery for the fourth annual Hot Rod Tour of Texas. This event has grown from humble beginnings to become a must-attend gathering for automotive enthusiasts across the Lone Star State.Our special feature takes you behind the scenes in Victoria, Texas, where we chat with Street Manager Kate Garcia about the town's remarkable transformation. Once merely a pass-through on the way to Corpus Christi, Victoria has reinvented itself as a destination worth exploring. The historic De Leon Plaza now hosts over 800 events annually, including the unique pairing of hot rods and symphony music that kicks off this tour. "Two demographics you would never think would go together go together like peanut butter and jelly," Garcia explains as classic cars and classical music create an unexpectedly perfect harmony.We dive deep into the 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe, a luxury vehicle that challenges traditional definitions. Despi

The passion behind automotive culture shines brightest when enthusiasts gather to share their stories. At the Tailpipes and Tacos Cruise-In at the Lupe' Tortilla Tex-Mex in Katy, we experienced this firsthand as we awarded our signature Chili Pepper trophies to three remarkable vehicles.Mr. Hoggo's 1932 Ford Highboy stole the show with its masterfully crafted fiberglass body—so convincing that even SoCal Speed Shop experts needed nearly an hour to determine it wasn't metal. Powered by a beastly 640 horsepower 383 stroker engine, this yellow beauty combines old-school aesthetics with modern performance.The most touching moment came when 17-year-old Madden Morgan received his very first trophy for his 1989 Chevy 1500. Built alongside his father, this daily-driven pickup represents exactly what car culture is about—passion passed between generations, creating bonds that last a lifetime. Seeing the pride on both father and son's faces reminded everyone why we gather at events like this.We also

A lavender 1957 Chevy Nomad steals the spotlight at our Tailpipes and Tacos Cruise Inn broadcast from Lupe' Tortilla Tex-Mex in Katy, Texas. Owner Jim Craven shares his three-year journey with this head-turning classic, detailing what makes a Nomad special beyond just being a two-door station wagon - from the angled window pillars to the nine distinctive grooves on the car's top.Under the hood, this beauty houses a monstrous 502 cubic inch crate motor with dual four-barrel carburetors that, in Jim's words, "will lay rubber in second and third gear." While Jim initially had reservations about the lavender paint when buying sight unseen, it's now the car's most celebrated feature, routinely earning trophies and starting conversations at every show.What resonates most is Jim's refreshing philosophy about classic car ownership. Unlike those who treat vehicles as untouchable museum pieces, he drives his Nomad regularly, believing classics should be enjoyed rather than preser

From a pandemic hobby to podium finishes at prestigious races, Judd Holt's meteoric rise in the racing world exemplifies what's possible when passion meets persistence. Judd's story begins just four and a half years ago when, tired of pandemic isolation, he decided to try his hand at motor racing. What started as a curiosity quickly evolved into competitive racing in spec cars, then an M2 for endurance events, and now to professional competition in a factory-built BMW M4 GT4.The fascinating world of GT4 racing centers on a unique premise - every car must be identical according to strict regulations. With manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes, and Ford all building to the same specifications, there's nowhere to hide behind superior technology. When Judd stood on the podium at Long Beach, it was pure driver skill that put him there. "The car is basically the same," he explains. "They're identical... you can't jack with it."The physical and mental demands are extraord